Wednesday, February 22, 2012

There was nothing special on the agenda for this long weekend-and I took full advantage of doing several versions of nothing! Although nothing really equated to relishing the finer points of NYC: happy hours, long brunches, and trying the hottest thing to happen to sushi/tacos in recent history.

Somehow three days still wasn't enough, lucky me I'm taking a spontaneous trip to Panama this weekend! A healthy dose of vitamin D is just what the Dr. ordered, expect a full report in pictures upon my return!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! I love this holiday, not that I need an excuse, but having the opportunity to enjoy a few extra chocolates, indulge in red-themed baking, and letting those around you know how much you love/appreciate them, what's not to love about that?!?!

Over the weekend I experimented with "cake cookies"-so easy and festive.

Recipe adapted from twopeasandtheirpod.com

Ingredients:1 box red velvet cake mix (chocolate and vanilla would be great for other occasions!)2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 large eggs1/2 cup canola oil1 teaspoon vanilla extractPowdered sugar, for rolling the cookiesHeart shaped cookie cutter, optionalDirections:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat and set aside.2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and flour. Whisk until clumps disappear. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together cake mix, flour, eggs, oil and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and form into a ball. Roll the ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are set and cookies begin to crack.3. Let cookies sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes. If desired, cut cookies into heart shapes, using a heart shaped cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

As a side-note: I went to David Burke Kitchen last week for restaurant week-the entire meal was spectacular, but the desserts really took the "cake" so to speak! Red-Velvet Sundae with cream cheese ice cream, oh-my-godddd, it was good, and festive to boot!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

I think I blinked and all of a sudden it was February! The mild temps we've been experiencing certainly haven't done much to remind me that it is in fact still winter, but I'm not complaining! This past weekend was filled with simple pleasures, a wild night out, and ended with the ultimate NY sports fans' happy ending with the Giants winning the Super Bowl. I tend to focus more on the food and social atmosphere of any sporting event, but was happy to share in the win.

It's a short month with no shortage of exciting things coming up! Stay tuned!

A latte with a side of love-didn't think anything could top their red Christmas cups!

Classical music in the center of Washington Square Park makes for a lovely Saturday stroll